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Social media chat with Yao Ming at the Youth Olympic Games

26/08/2014

Youth Olympic Games Ambassador and basketball super star Yao Ming spent time with Olympic fans today answering questions from fans and athletes on social media about the Nanjing 2014 Youth Summer Olympic Games that are currently underway. Yao is in Nanjing for two days to meet with the athletes and share some of his experiences as international athlete.

Top 3 questions to Yao Ming

What is the biggest piece of advice you'd give a Youth Olympic Games athlete to help them be successful long term?“My long-term advice is that mental and physical education are essential. When the Youth Olympic Games are on there are many sports happening: track and field, football, basketball. Athletes focus on the competition itself but there is a lot more. There is the living area (athletes village), where athletes from different countries and different cultures mix – and my advice is don't give up on this part (of the Games) reach out to people you don't know.” Via Facebook.com/Olympics

What made you decided to be a Youth Olympic Games Ambassador?“I became a Youth Olympic Games Ambassador because the Youth Olympic Games are very attractive and they move around to different countries. Every time I come to the Olympic Games I learn many things and I really don’t want to miss this opportunity to communicate to young athletes because they will be our sports “leaders” in the future.”e.t.qq.com/Olympics.com Via Tencent Weibo

Any advice you can give to young athletes about winning and losing...?“Winning or losing is something that is already in the past and you can't change it. The thing that makes the difference is your attitude and how you treat your results as this could change your future.” On Instagram.com/youtholympics

#yogselfie

Yao Ming also took the time to do a #yogselfie. A #yogselfie is when an athlete, fan or volunteer share a selfie and show their support for the Youth Olympic Games. Millions of posts using #yogselfie have been recorded so far and Yao Ming’s selfie was seen by more than 3,600,000 people in less than 24 hours on Facebook.